Hi! I’m the face (and hands and heart) behind Kirsti Coutlee Photography. As a 35-year-old mom of two earth-side babies—a spunky toddler girl and a sweet baby boy—and one precious baby in heaven, I know firsthand how fleeting these newborn days are. After experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage, I hold an even deeper appreciation for the gift of new life. Between the sleepless nights, endless snuggles, and that intoxicating new baby smell, time has a way of slipping through our fingers. That’s why I cherish being able to freeze these moments for families—because the newborn stage is beautiful, messy, sacred, and oh-so-short.
My love for photography started back in high school when one of my agriculture teachers (shoutout to the best mentors!) put a camera in my hands. What started as a fun hobby soon became a passion, and by the time I was in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I was photographing for school clubs and the college magazine. But before I officially stepped behind the camera full-time, I spent five years teaching high school agriculture and serving as an FFA advisor—a job I loved but eventually stepped away from to marry my husband, travel and start our family.
In 2019, I officially launched my photography business, and by 2020, I found my true calling—newborn photography. I’ve attended trainings with some of the best, including Kelly Brown, and invested in several years of The Milky Way Newborn Retreats. I’m safety certified through APNPI because your little one’s well-being is my top priority. Babies are tiny works of art (Anne Geddes had it right!), and I consider it an honor to create timeless images of your little miracles. I also love photographing families and getting to watch them grow year after year—because let’s be honest, kids have a way of growing way too fast.
When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me wrangling animals on our small homestead—our chickens, ducks, cows, sheep, and goats keep life interesting! My husband and I met line dancing (yes, country music is our jam), and we love getting outside as a family, whether it’s camping, backpacking, hiking, or fly fishing. I also love reading, baking, gardening, and thrift shopping.
Above all, I’m passionate about capturing real, heartfelt moments for families in the Kitsap community. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, I want your session to feel relaxed, joyful, and full of love—because these moments deserve to be remembered.
I can’t wait to meet you and your little one! xx - Kirsti
